Wausaukee man killed before trooper shooting ID'd

Leaders of area law enforcement hold a press conference about the shootout between a state trooper and a suspected bank robber in Fond du Lac.
Doug Raflik/Action Reporter Media

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Two Wisconsin State Patrol officers walk into the State Patrol Northeast District 3 headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wednesday, March 25, where flags are at half mast after the death of trooper Trevor Casper during a shootout with a suspected bank robber Tuesday, on the cities west side.(Photo: Doug Raflik/Action Reporter Media)Buy Photo

A deceased man found along a roadway in Marinette County has been identified.

Thomas C. Christ, 59, of Wausaukee, was found dead along Jermac Road near his property Tuesday following a bank robbery in Wausaukee, according to the Marinette County Sheriff's Department.

The suspect of that robbery is believed to have shot a state trooper near the west side Pick 'n Save in Fond du Lac before being shot and killed himself. The trooper later died of his injuries.

Trooper Trevor Casper(Photo: Submitted)

Both the trooper and the suspect were identified Wednesday morning.

Trooper Trevor Casper, 21, of Kiel, was pursuing Steven Timothy Snyder around 5:30 p.m. in Fond du Lac. Snyder was suspected of robbing a bank in the small Marinette County village of Wausaukee earlier in the day, and may have also fatally shot Christ there. Marinette County Sheriff Jerry Sauve said the robber and his vehicle were located in Fond du Lac, where he exchanged gunfire with a trooper.

Two Wisconsin State Patrol troopers walk into the State Patrol District 3 headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wednesday, March 25, where flags are at half mast after the killing of trooper Trevor Casper during a shootout with a suspected bank robber yesterday on the cities west side. Action Reporter Media

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"We wish to thank our family, friends, co-workers, and all of the law enforcement officers across the United States who grieve with our family during this time of horrific loss. Our son Trevor was an amazing young man who from a young age would do anything to help anyone. It did not surprise us when he selected a career in law enforcement. Even as a young child he was always helping others. Trevor had a soft and good heart. He truly believed his sole purpose in life was to serve and protect others. When we asked Trevor if he was ready for his career as a Wisconsin State Trooper, Trevor proudly told us he was 'born ready to do this job.' Trevor was so very proud of his career as a Wisconsin State Trooper. As a family we are so deeply honored that our son served as a law enforcement officer with the Wisconsin State Patrol and we share in their grief and loss. We are so deeply saddened by this loss and wish to thank everyone who has assisted us during this time. We ask that you please allow us time to grieve and respect our privacy.

- Kevin and Debbie Casper (Kiel WI)."

"We continue to investigate how several crimes that occurred Tuesday in both Marinette County and in the city of Fond du Lac, fit together," the Wisconsin Department of Justice said in a release. "Autopsies on Trooper Casper and Snyder are expected to be completed today and likely will assist in determining what occurred during the confrontation."

"We at the Department of Justice are grieving the loss of Trooper Casper along with the entire Wisconsin law enforcement community."

The Wisconsin Bankers Association said it mourns the loss of Casper and a motorist suspected of being killed by Snyder.

"(Casper) paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to his state and his community and words cannot express our sorrow. We are also humbly grateful that men and women like Trooper Casper are willing and able to keep our communities safe with their selfless service," WBA's statement reads.

"Our sympathies are also with the friends and family of the motorist who was killed by this deplorable bank robber; a senseless loss for everyone involved. We don't want to forget the staff of the State Bank of Florence. This tragedy began in a bank lobby with the firing of a handgun; a traumatic experience for them as well."

The Department of Justice is leading the investigation. More updates are expected later in the afternoon, according to the release.